Congress has begun drafting the next multi-year transportation bill, meaning now is a critical opportunity to impact how our nation’s transportation priorities will shape up for the coming years and beyond. One common way in which representatives show their support for specific policies is through a “dear colleague” letter. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) has drafted such a letter for all representatives to send to the leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee that would indicate their support for more trails, walking and biking funding.Time is of the essence. This is our best opportunity yet to get in on the ground floor. We have until June 3. If the T&I committee leadership receives enough of these letters, it will be clear that Americans want better transportation choices. Investing more in trails, walking and biking makes clear sense. Economically, we could savetens of billions of dollars nationallyif more people were able to walk and bike to get where they’re going.

Securing enough signatures on these letters could define our nation’s transportation priorities for years to come. Getting it done has never been easier:

League of American Bicyclists have a similar form, minus the pre-written letterHERE. Simply enter your zip code and use the listed talking points to quick create your own, and “Send Message” at bottom.

Both methods above take only minutes, and could determine the future of cycling in our transportation system. Please act today!